These coconut custard bars are soft, sweet, and satisfyingly gooey, making them a perfect low-carb dessert when you want something simple yet comforting. Made with just five wholesome ingredients, they deliver rich coconut flavor without refined sugar or dairy, and they come together with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These coconut custard bars are incredibly easy to prepare and require no crust, no mixer, and no complicated steps. They are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in carbohydrates, making them suitable for many lifestyles. The texture is somewhere between a custard and a chewy coconut bar, and they pair beautifully with coffee or tea. Best of all, everything is mixed in one bowl and baked in a single pan.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

coconut sweetened condensed milk – 1 cup
large eggs – 3
full-fat canned coconut milk – 1/2 cup
low-carb granulated sweetener – 1/3 cup
unsweetened finely shredded coconut – 2 cups

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut sweetened condensed milk and eggs until smooth and fully combined. Add the coconut milk and sweetener, and whisk again until the mixture is uniform.

Stir in the shredded coconut, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. For best texture, refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 bars
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes plus cooling

Variations

For a toasted coconut flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut before mixing it into the batter.
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom for a warm spice note.
Stir in a small amount of sugar-free chocolate chips for a richer dessert.
For extra sweetness, drizzle with a homemade low-carb caramel sauce after baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store coconut custard bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended, as warming can soften the custard too much and affect the texture.

FAQs

Can I make these coconut custard bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are ideal for making ahead since they need time to chill and set properly.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, refrigeration is recommended to maintain their custard-like texture and freshness.

Can I freeze coconut custard bars?

Freezing is not recommended, as the custard texture can become watery once thawed.

What kind of coconut milk works best?

Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest flavor and best texture.

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?

It is not recommended, as it will make the bars overly sweet and increase the carbohydrate content.

Are these bars dairy-free?

Yes, they are completely dairy-free when made with coconut-based condensed milk.

Can I reduce the sweetener?

Yes, you can slightly reduce the sweetener, but the bars may taste less balanced.

Why are my bars too soft?

They may need more cooling time. Chilling helps them fully set.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, increasing bake time slightly.

What is the texture supposed to be like?

The texture should be soft, custard-like, and slightly chewy from the coconut.

Conclusion

These 5 ingredient coconut custard bars are proof that simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying dessert. With their rich coconut flavor, easy preparation, and low-carb profile, they are perfect for everyday treats or special occasions alike. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation.

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